In John’s gospel the image of seeing is often used to show that somebody really believes. This is why in this gospel story Jesus challenges the Pharisees, saying that although they can physically see they are blind or lacking in faith.

There are a lot of images of baptism in this story. The blind man is anointed with a paste – in baptism we are anointed with oil. He is told to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam – we are washed in the waters of baptism. This is the beginning of his journey and the beginning of a new identity which influences the man’s future. So too baptism a beginning for us, we become part of the body of Christ and this new identity has the potential to shape and direct our lives.

The man – once blind but who now sees – grows in faith and confidence the more he is questioned. He identifies the one who has healed him as “the man called Jesus”(9:11), then “a prophet” (9:17), a man “from God” (9.33), “the Son of Man” (9:35)and finally as the “Lord” whom he worships. So too we who have been baptised are invited to a journey of faith that will bring us ever closer to knowing and naming the presence of Jesus in our lives. Faith grows gradually and when, like the man in this gospel story, we have the confidence to speak about our faith we take another step along the road.

Action

Looking back over my life what have been the most significant milestones on my faith journey. Who or what has strengthened my faith, challenged my faith, helped me to grow in faith?

The man born blind goes through many names for Jesus before he comes to recognise him as Lord. Which name am I comfortable giving to Jesus?

How comfortable am I speaking about my faith? Have I ever met someone who spoke with confidence about their faith and experience of God? Does that strengthen me, challenge me or turn me off? Why?

Kindly made available by Bairbre Cahill, Raphoe Diocese.